Royal India: Exploring with Taj Hotels

Day 2: Delhi - City of Contrasts Exploration
Discover the unique contrasts between Old and New Delhi with a full day of sightseeing in the company of your private guide and driver. Old Delhi boasts magnificent UNESCO World Heritage monuments and holy sites, while New Delhi showcases typically British colonial-style architecture, with manicured tree-lined avenues and colonial bungalows. Start your journey with a drive past the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Red Fort and explore the lively Chandi Chowk market on a cycle rickshaw ride through its narrow lanes. Experience the vibrant energy of the city as you immerse your senses in its alluring colors and exotic scents, and watch local men sipping their tea at chai stands. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Khari Baoli, Asia's largest spice market, for an unforgettable experience.

Afterwards, drive past the impressive India Gate and Secretariat Building en route to Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, surrounded by a complex of buildings providing fine examples of Indian artwork dating back to the 12th century. This impressive site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End your day with a visit to yet another UNESCO-recognized site, the Humayun's Tomb, which features a series of Mughal-style buildings, the first example of this type of architecture in India. At the end of the day, return to your luxurious accommodation in a private vehicle.

Day 3: Exploring Jaipur's Vibrant Culture and Cuisine
Embark on a six-hour drive from Delhi to Jaipur with your private driver. As the craft capital of India, Jaipur boasts a rich heritage of skilled artisans and craftspeople. Meet your private guide at the Palace of the Winds and explore the bustling streets of Jaipur's bazaars, where you'll mingle with store vendors and locals, and sample a variety of delicious street foods, including pakoras, aloo tiki, samosas, and ladoo from trusted and hygienic vendors. Admire the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans, from jewelers and silversmiths to gold painters and tie-dye experts. After a 2.5-hour walk through the bazaars, return to your hotel by private vehicle.

Day 4: Discover Jaipur's Iconic Monuments in Style
Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel before meeting your private guide and driver for a day filled with exploration of Jaipur's most famous monuments. Your first stop is the stunning Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated atop a hill overlooking Maotha Lake. This fortification is surrounded by battlements and is home to a sprawling complex of courtyards and halls, including the Sheesh Mahal or Hall of Mirrors. Here, a single lamp illuminates the mirrors, creating a breathtaking visual effect.

Next, visit the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. This ornate, pale pink facade is adorned with a tiered baroque-style build and was designed to allow royal ladies to observe life and festivals in the streets below while remaining unseen. Afterward, make your way to Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the world's largest sundial and is a testament to the architectural innovations of the Mughal period.

Finally, visit the City Palace, a royal residence to the rulers of Jaipur since the 18th century. Explore the sprawling complex, which includes a museum illustrating the harmonious blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The Chandra Mahal, which is part of the palace and home to the current Maharaja, is off-limits to visitors. After a day filled with history and culture, return to your hotel in style with a private transfer.

Day 5: A Monumental Day in Agra
After breakfast, meet your private guide and driver to begin your day exploring Agra, home to India's most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal. Your first stop is the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a breathtakingly beautiful monument of white marble that is considered the ultimate symbol of love. Your private guide will share fascinating historical and architectural insights as you stroll through the gardens and admire the stunning monument up close.

After visiting the Taj Mahal, head to Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive red sandstone fortress was built by Emperor Akbar and was later used as a palace by his grandson, Emperor Shah Jahan. Explore the sprawling complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens, and marvel at the intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.

In the afternoon, stop by Mehtab Bagh, a beautiful garden complex located across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. From here, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Taj Mahal in the distance and take some great photos.

After a full day of exploring Agra's magnificent monuments, return to your hotel by private vehicle.

Day 6: Agra - Experience a Wondrous Tribute to Love
Embark on a private tour of the world-famous Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has enamored visitors for centuries. Admire the stunning white marble monument, an extraordinary example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. Explore the intricate inlay work made of precious and semi-precious stones that adorn the interior of this iconic mausoleum, which sits within an immaculately manicured garden.

After the Taj Mahal, continue your journey to Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the bend of the Yamuna River. This impressive red sandstone fort was once the main residence of the Mughal emperors until the capital was moved to Delhi. Learn about the rich history of this magnificent monument from your private guide, and visit the tower where Emperor Shah Jahan was once imprisoned, offering stunning views of the Taj Mahal in the distance. After your tour, relax on your private transfer back to your hotel.

Day 7: A Journey to Varanasi

Embark on a journey to the holy city of Varanasi, starting with a private transfer from Agra to Delhi, followed by a direct flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for an airport transfer.

In the evening, witness the Aarti Ceremony, a devotional Hindu ritual performed daily at sunset on the banks of the Ganges. Admire the beautiful sight of small clay lamps adorned with candles and flowers, being lit and floated down the river as an offering to Maa Ganga, the goddess of the holy river. Young Hindu priests in saffron-colored robes perform the ritual on an elevated stage facing the river, accompanied by chanting and incense.

After the ceremony, board a boat with your private guide and boatman for a night-time river cruise to witness Varanasi's breathtaking views. You will also encounter the burning funeral pyres along the river, providing a raw and unforgettable experience. Your guide will explain the Hindu belief that laying a deceased's ashes to rest in the Ganges at Varanasi allows their soul to escape the cycle of rebirth and reach heaven. Experience this quintessential Varanasi experience with an intriguing close-up view.

Day 8: Experiencing Varanasi's Culture
Embark on a cultural immersion journey in the holy city of Varanasi today, accompanied by your knowledgeable private guide. Discover the profound connection that people have with the Ganges by exploring the winding streets and riverside areas on foot. During this tour, you will visit hidden shrines of the Mother Goddess Kali and observe the everyday life of the locals. The tour culminates at the Dashaswamedh ghat, the historic ritual bathing site, and Bengali Tola, the street of the Bengalis, known for its picturesque views of life along the riverside. Bengalis have migrated to Varanasi for centuries and have formed a close-knit community of priests and shopkeepers, as depicted in Satyajit Ray's Apu Sansar. With few changes in these historic lanes over the years, you can step into the world of Apu!

"Death is the ultimate reality that we must all face." In India, death is regarded as a part of life, and various rituals and ceremonies are performed when someone dies. This experience takes you to the Manikarnika Ghat to observe the death rituals passage that Hindus perform. You will learn about the many rituals that Hindus perform in their lifetime and the belief that humans are reborn according to their karma. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the history and mythology behind this ghat, and why Hindus cremate the body instead of burying it. If you choose to complete your experience during the daytime, you can participate in a small puja at the Sankata Devi Temple, dedicated to the goddess of sorrows and a demon slayer. Depending on your interest, this tour will last approximately 2-3 hours.
 

Day 9: Experience Varanasi's Spirituality on a Sunrise Boat Ride

Mark Twain once said, "Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together." Discover the essence of this statement as you embark on a boat ride at dawn with your private guide, floating on the Ganges, surrounded by the captivating sights and sounds of Varanasi. Witness the devotees flocking to the ghats to offer their prayers and bathe in the sacred waters of the river. Gain insights into Varanasi's unique culture and its association with the river Ganges, where life and death intertwine. You will learn how the living seek solace from their sins by taking a dip in the holy river, while the ashes of the dead are scattered in the water to break the cycle of reincarnation. This unforgettable experience provides a glimpse into the soul of India.

Airport Transfer and Flight to Delhi

Meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to the airport, accompanied by an English-speaking assistant. Board your direct flight from Varanasi to Delhi, with an approximate flight duration of 1.5 hours.

Day 10: Departure Day

Bid farewell to Varanasi as you meet your private driver and English-speaking assistant for an airport transfer. As you make your way to the airport, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences you have had during your time in this fascinating city. From the spiritual journey on the Ganges to the cultural immersion in the streets of Varanasi, you have explored the sights and insights of this ancient city in a way that few visitors have the chance to do. As you board your flight and take off for your next adventure, you can look back on your time in Varanasi with fondness, knowing that you have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for India's rich culture and traditions.